Broadening Our Horizons:Museum Workers Advocacy Day 2026

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed unless it is faced” – James Baldwin, 1962. 

The National Emerging Museum Professionals Network (NEMPN) hosts Museum Workers Advocacy Day annually, providing a platform for not only museum professionals but also cultural workers from all sectors and levels of experience to come together and advocate for industry changes. This year’s Museum Workers Advocacy Day will take place digitally on April 9th and 10th, 2026.

As workers in museums, archives, libraries, galleries, zoos, and other cultural institutions, we are confronting growing challenges that threaten the stability and future of the spaces we serve. From funding cuts and political pressure to censorship and efforts to defund or dismantle institutions, these threats endanger jobs, programs, and the preservation of knowledge. 

This year’s theme highlights that broadening our horizons is about more than expanding perspectives; it reminds us that advocacy isn’t something we can do alone—our strength comes from standing together. NEMPN is currently seeking panelists to join us in making Museum Workers Advocacy Day 2026 an impactful event. In recognition of their time and valuable contributions, panelists will be offered a modest stipend or free NEMPN merchandise as a thank you for their participation. We are also looking for partners to help promote the event and sponsors to support it financially. 

If you are interested in participating in anyway, please contact Margaret Sheble at vicepresident@nationalempnetwork.orgby December 15th, 2025.